Rangers Waive Defenseman Robertson Amidst Center Injury Concerns

The New York Rangers have placed defenseman Matthew Robertson on waivers, a move that frees up both a roster spot and salary cap space as the team navigates injuries. This decision comes as center Joe Veleno is sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained during Sunday's game.

Veleno did not practice on Monday and continues to be evaluated, prompting the Rangers to look for internal solutions or external additions at the center position. The team's lack of center depth on its 23-man roster was a key factor in the decision to expose Robertson, a defenseman, to waivers just one week into the season. As of Monday, the Rangers had approximately $461,686 in available cap space, according to PuckPedia.

Robertson, a second-round pick from the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, skated in 72 games for the Rangers last season. However, his place in the lineup had been impacted by the emergence of rookie defenseman Alberts Smits. Robertson began the season as one of eight defensemen on the roster, alongside Scott Morrow, but the team will now wait 24 hours to see if he will clear waivers.

If Robertson clears waivers, he is expected to be assigned to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack. He would join a group of left-handed defensemen in Hartford that includes Urho Vaakanainen, Drew Fortescue, and Marc Del Gaizo, all of whom have prior NHL experience. Last season, Robertson recorded six goals and 18 points.

Oliver Bjorkstrand skated in Veleno's usual spot during Monday's practice. Other potential center call-up options from the Wolf Pack include Justin Dowling, Glenn Gawdin, Juuso Parssinen, Cole Beaudoin, and Dylan Roobroeck. The Rangers' roster flexibility will allow them to add a center before Thursday's game against the Islanders.